"Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea are based around Champions League squads," Rodgers said. "They have been religiously in there and they have got a lot of depth that they can call upon.

"But we know that if we have got the fortune to stay clear of injury and what not, I would put our team up against anyone. I would never give up the fight. Of course, the challenge is to get to fourth.

"Once you can do that, it is all about seeing if you can go beyond that. But I will never give up the fight. With the games we have got to go and the confidence we have, we just need a bit of luck with injuries and to be able to manage the team."